Once reserved for the ultra-wealthy, superyacht charters are attracting a broader audience of travelers chasing one-of-a-kind ocean escapes. The industry is booming, with both the number and size of available yachts climbing fast to meet growing demand.
Vessels now stretching beyond 150 feet regularly command more than $1 million per week, offering far more than a standard luxury getaway.
Rising Market Trends
Data from Spherical Insights shows the global luxury yacht charter market—worth about $6.5 billion in 2023—is set to nearly double to $12.8 billion by 2033.
In line with this, SuperYacht Times reports record demand for yachts surpassing 150 feet, suggesting that today’s travelers want more than luxury—they want freedom, privacy, and seamless design at sea.
Dubai-based Kristan De Graaf, CEO of Elite Rentals Dubai, notes a dramatic rise in yacht charters over the past few years. His company arranged approximately 25 vacation charters in 2020, growing to 100 multiday luxury charters by 2023. De Graaf highlighted that 2025 is already surpassing these numbers halfway through the year.
One notable charter involved a Silicon Valley billionaire and friends, who spent $250,000 for a week on a Lamborghini Tecnomar yacht, cruising Monaco, St. Tropez, and Sardinia. The yacht’s daytime speed reached 60 knots, while evenings were transformed into a private beach club with champagne service.
Experiences at Sea
Tony Abrams, founder of Four Hundred, a New York-based membership travel company, said this year saw the highest number of superyacht bookings in the company’s nearly 20-year history. One notable charter was a 10-day trip in the South of France on a 250-foot yacht. The cost for this voyage was nearly $2 million.
The vessel accommodated a dozen guests and offered amenities such as a helipad, infinity pool, and basketball court. Charter fees, including fuel, food, drinks, and docking permits, typically add around 30% to the base cost.
Superyacht Ownership and Charters
Superyacht owners are increasingly taking advantage of the charter market. Eleonora Pitasso, a superyacht consultant, and her husband, Wim De Pundert, operate their 164-foot yacht, Bijin, for charters. Originally built by Heesen, Bijin was refitted after acquisition, offering five luxurious bedrooms, a gym, sauna, a large outdoor deck, and a dedicated crew of ten.
Water sports equipment, including Porsche seabobs and electric wakeboards, adds to the appeal. Pitasso reports strong bookings, including repeat clients for the following year, indicating sustained interest in large-scale yachts.
Life Aboard a Superyacht
Superyacht captains report a surge in demand. Hugo Ortega, known from Season 12 of Bravo’s “Below Deck,” said the market for crew and charter services has been booming since the pandemic.
One recent trip drew particular attention: a 300-foot yacht cruising through Norway’s dramatic fjords. The charter ran about $500,000 per week, and as Ortega pointed out, a single transatlantic crossing could burn through roughly $1 million in fuel—each way.
It’s a vivid reminder of the staggering resources required to keep these floating estates in motion.
Key Features of Modern Superyachts
Sumptuous living quarters – Multiple decks of suites, lounges, and dining areas.
Recreation on demand – Pools, helipads, sports courts, and water toys galore.
Service perfection – Crews trained to deliver smooth, personalized hospitality.
Engineering mastery – High-speed capabilities paired with luxurious stability.
The rising demand for superyacht charters reflects a cultural pivot toward immersive luxury. Today’s elite travelers want experiences that blend opulence with adventure—where the journey itself becomes the destination.
Superyachts as an Investment in Experience
More than floating emblems of wealth, superyachts represent a philosophy of travel rooted in freedom, privacy, and precision-crafted comfort.
As the market expands, chartering these vessels gives more people access to high-end adventures. At the same time, owners can profit by sharing their yachts.
The industry continues to grow, and innovations in design, onboard amenities, and service standards are making superyachts even more appealing. These improvements ensure they remain a top choice for luxury travelers worldwide.